There is hope for Lipedema through Treatment.
Lipedema is a chronic disease that is often misdiagnosed and we understand if you are frustrated. If you have lipedema, your journey to discovery has most likely been long, and we are glad you are here.
Many patients with chronic disease are surprised to learn that there is hope. Our VSS Lipedema Team is passionate about the diagnosis and treatment of lipedema. We are here to offer your hope through comprehensive lipedema care.
Our multidisciplinary VSS Lipedema Team includes our vein care specialists, occupational therapy team and consultants. Drawing from a broad clinical background, we are here to serve you.
The treatment process for lipedema is one that includes dealing with the emotional and physical struggles of chronic disease. Treatment plans for lipedema include a broad spectrum of conservative care and procedure protocols.
One of the hallmarks of lipedema is inflammation of the fat, which causes swelling and chronic pain. Treatments impacting the inflammatory process can make a difference in your pain and your quality of life.
Though a common complaint of lipedema is swelling, early in the disease process the swelling is more fatty tissue than true lymphatic swelling. Treatments to optimize the lymph flow can reduce lymphatic swelling, help control the symptoms and slow the disease process.
The physical problem associated with late stage lipedema can be devastating. Limited mobility, edema, pain, recurrent infections, skin breakdowns and more are possible. Measures to educate and assist with home management can go a long way toward prevention and mitigation of these problems.
Living with a chronic disease impacts all areas of life for you and your family. It is important for you to reach out for help when needed. VSS has successfully treated others with Lipedema, and is here to listen to your concerns and address them where possible.
Conservative care protocols to improve the quality of life for lipedema patients stand on the shoulders of many who have gone before us. Much of our knowledge, passion and expertise is drawn from them. Dr. Karen Herbst is an advocate for better lipedema care and has led the way for many of us here in the United States. Our goal is for this information to be helpful, as you seek answers in your personal lipedema journey.
The VSS Occupational Therapists are an important part of your Lipedema Therapy Team. They are a natural fit, have vast experience and are passionate about techniques used in lymphedema therapy which are used for lipedema patients.
Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT is the cornerstone of treatment for lymphedema, lipo-lymphedema and swelling from all forms of lymphatic problems including vein disease.
The CDT and Lipedema Program administered by the Lymphedema Therapy Team includes:
It’s just 3 easy steps…
As lipedema worsens, measures beyond conservative care should be considered. Compliance with your conservative care protocol is necessary before any procedure.
Lymph-sparing Liposuction: Specialized lymph sparing liposuction for lipedema was introduced by German surgeon Dr. Joseph Stutz. He teaches extensively on the Waterjet Assisted Liposuction (WAL) technique for lipedema. The lipedema fat is removed using a fan-shaped jet of water, which is less invasive to the surrounding tissues and makes the healing and recovery process faster.
Lymphatic sparing liposuction techniques provide hope for lipedema patients. By safely reducing the volume of the lipedema fat, patients report less pain, improved mobility and slowed progression of their lipedema. Many report their lives to be radically changed for the better.
Lymph-sparing liposuction is an outpatient procedure under gentle tumescent local anesthesia. Multiple sessions may be needed based on the areas treated and volume of tumescent local anesthesia needed to complete your procedure. Patient reviews may be helpful for you.
It is important to consider your surgeons experience in treating lipedema. He or she should be able to address other techniques and your specific risks and needs. Your discussion should include your aesthetic expectations prior to the lymph-sparing liposuction. Successful lymph sparing liposuction may treat the lipedema while not fully changing your shape from a cosmetic viewpoint. While results may vary, before and after photos of other patients may give you an idea of what to expect from your procedure.
The need for conservative treatments such as MLD and compression garments after liposuction surgery will vary from patient to patient. Patients can expect swelling, bruising, and tenderness after surgery that resolves slowly. Lymphatic massage with our Lipedema Therapy Team can speed the recovery.
Tumescent Local Anesthesia (TLA) which was introduced by Dr. Jeff Klein over 20 years ago, is the anesthesia technique we recommend for lymph sparing liposuction surgery. TLA is designed to numb the skin and subcutaneous fat tissue layer in a region and is considered safer than general anesthesia. Using tumescence allows WAL for lipedema to be safely performed on an outpatient basis.
Venous Insufficiency: Venous insufficiency is often seen in patients with lipedema. As part of your evaluation, your VSS team will advise you if there is underlying vein disease in addition to lipedema.
Some venous insufficiency sign and symptoms may mimic your lipedema symptoms. These include varicose veins, spider veins, leg heaviness, leg pain, swelling, and redness.
In some cases, we recommend treating your vein disease prior to your lipedema treatments. On other occasions we wait until after your lymph-sparing.
VSS has experience in treating those with Lipedema and has a true passion for helping those suffering from the disease. Vein Specialists of the South has been helping patients since 1997 with vein, lymphedema and Lipedema conditions often dismissed by most doctors.
Dr. Kenneth Harper speaks at local medical educational “Grand Rounds’ and other organizations to educate the medical community what lipedema is, the signs, symptoms, and treatments available. He is committed to bringing lipedema awareness to the forefront of doctors in across Georgia. You couldn’t be in better hands.
Call today to schedule an appointment with the VSS team and begin your journey!
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Since 1997, Vein Specialists of the South has helped thousands of patients like you with varicose veins, spider veins, and leg swelling. Dr. Kenneth Harper is a leader in vein health is a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and the American Vein and Lymphatic Medicine. Terri Harper, MSN, FNP-C, is a renowned educator in the field of cosmetic sclerotherapy. Our dedicated nurse injectors have been trained by the best.
At Vein Specialists of the South, we have a passion for veins – big and small. We’ve helped over 30,000 people get Better Veins for Life®. Call today to schedule an appointment with the VSS team, where ‘Veins Aren’t Just One Thing We Do, They Are the Only Thing We Do.®’
Meet with your dedicated vein care specialists to get started on your personalized comprehensive treatment plan.
It’s not just one thing we do, it’s the only thing we do.®
556 3rd Street, Suite A
Macon, Georgia 31201
4851 Bill Gardner Pkwy,
Locust Grove, GA 30248
151 South Houston Lake Rd
Warner Robins, Georgia 31088
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